1st candle: “Hope”
The first candle of Advent represents Hope. It is called “the prophet’s candle” for it was the hope in the coming Messiah which characterized much of their messages. Christmas celebrates that coming for in Christ the approximate 456 scriptures referencing this Messiah are fulfilled.
A hoax, you say? Let’s consider a very few points an alleged “imposter” infant would have had to manipulate…
To fulfill just a few of these prophecies he must be born to a virgin (Isa. 7:14), born in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2), yet spend time in Egypt (Hos. 11:1). He must be a descendant of King David (Ezek. 37:24). He must begin his ministry in Galilee (Isa. 9:1-2), teaching “hidden things, things from of old” (Ps. 78:1-2), he would need to live a completely holy life, become a rock over which many would stumble (Isa. 8:14), yet one worthy of the names “Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). God would speak from heaven and call him “My Son” (2 Sam. 7:14) (Ps. 2:1-9) and in time he would gather his people together again (Isa. 11:12).
Let’s not forget the astrological manipulation this child would, from the womb, need to accomplish: signs in the heavens, observable by Magi, the star which heralded his birth and led the shepherds, the darkness which some 33 years later accompanied his death upon the cross. The miracles he performed and his storm stilling, fish drawing power over nature. I could go on and on…
But of course this child is no hoax. Rather, as we sing, “This, this is Christ the King..” He is Lord of all lord’s and King of all kings, our HOPE and Deliverer!
Do you have this Hope? When all else fails is there yet something… Someone… within you… to sustain you… to cry to… cling to… Someone to Whom you can abandon…. Yes, entrust, your soul?
This first candle of Advent represents such a One…. Our Hope, and Deliverer.
More tomorrow…
To hear this past Sunday’s message, go to the Facebook page of Lincoln Baptist Church, or link to the livestream from the church website.
thebrokenrunner 